Brandon Adams was fighting more than just Serhii Bohachuk Thursday night at the Municipal Boxing Gym Felix Pagan Pintor in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

Adams scored a dramatic come-from-behind knockout victory over the previously-unbeaten Bohachuk in round 8. With the victory, Adams improved to 23-3, 15 knockouts.

The fight was a compelling clash between two junior middleweights on the cusp of entering contender status in a talent-rich division. Adams took a major step forward with the victory, despite being down on all three judges’ scorecards (68-64, 68-64, and 69-63).

With less than a minute left in round 8, Adams hurt Bohachuk with a left hook to the head. Moments later, a vicious left hook dropped Bohachuk against the ropes. Although Bohachuk beat the count, he was in shape to continue, prompting referee Ramon Peña to stop the fight at 2:47. 

After the fight, Adams embraced Bohachuk.

“He was a tough guy,” said Adams, who knocked out Sonny Duversonne in his previous fight on December 3. “He brought another side out of me that I knew was inside. I had to dig in deep tonight and use all the strength that I had to connect with one of those punches from ‘The Cannon.’” 

Adams had to deal with adversity early on in the fight. He was deducted a point in round 3 after landing a low blow, which he had been warned about earlier in the fight by referee Ramon Peña. 

The 31-year-old, along with Bohachuk, had to deal with slipping on the ‘Ring City USA’ sign on the canvas during the fight. Despite these challenges, Adams found a way to come out victorious. 

“It was real tough fighting in there tonight (Thursday),” said Adams, who was the winner of the most recent ‘The Contender’ tournament. “The ring was wet, the ref was against me tonight. It was an uphill battle. I am an explosive fighter and I couldn’t take advantage of that because I didn’t have my legs under me because the ring was wet. But even though I was irritated, the show must go on. I am a pro. I have to figure out how to get the ‘W’ and that’s what I had to do. I am grateful for the win.” 

Adams was also appreciative of the support he received from people in Puerto Rico. 

“I loved Puerto Rico. Everyone out here embraced me with love.” 

Bohachuk, who is originally from the Ukraine and now lives and trains in the Los Angeles area, drops to 18-1, 18 KOs. 

The Adams-Bohachuk fight headlined the first Ring City USA card of 2021. The next card will take place in two weeks as former WBA junior lightweight titleholder Alberto Machado will face unbeaten Hector Tanajara, Jr. in a 10-round lightweight bout. 

Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing.